When clients start thinking about the legacy they want to leave behind, it often goes far beyond finances and property. Many are looking to pass on something even more meaningful—their values.
As professionals in estate planning, financial advising, elder care, or legacy coaching, we have a unique opportunity to help clients shape legacies that reflect who they are and what they stand for. Whether it’s championing a cause they believe in or finding environmentally conscious ways to be remembered, here are a few key ways we can support them in creating a values-based legacy.
1. Philanthropy with Purpose
Charitable giving is one of the most powerful tools for expressing personal values and supporting long-term impact. As professionals, we can help clients:
- Identify causes close to their heart – Encourage discussions about life experiences or personal passions that might shape their charitable priorities.
- Explore donor-advised funds or family foundations – These tools allow clients to create a lasting charitable presence that can involve children or grandchildren.
- Align giving with estate plans – Whether through charitable trusts, bequests, or naming nonprofits as beneficiaries, philanthropy can be woven into the estate planning process with ease and intention.
Tip: Offer to bring in or coordinate with philanthropic advisors to guide clients through tax-smart giving strategies.
2. Eco-Conscious End-of-Life Planning
More and more clients are asking how their end-of-life choices can reflect their environmental values. Options to discuss include:
- Green burials – These avoid embalming fluids and non-biodegradable caskets, allowing for a more natural return to the earth.
- Cremation with carbon offsetting – For those choosing cremation, consider recommending organizations that help offset carbon emissions through environmental donations.
- Memorial giving – Suggest donations to environmental causes in lieu of flowers at services, or planting trees in the client’s memory.
Tip: Include a conversation about eco-friendly options when discussing funeral directives in the estate planning process.
3. Legacy Letters and Ethical Wills
Not everything meaningful can be captured in a legal document. Legacy letters, or ethical wills, allow clients to pass on their life lessons, personal stories, and hopes for the future.
- Offer prompts or templates – Sometimes clients just need a little guidance to get started. Prompts like “What values shaped your biggest decisions?” or “What do you hope future generations remember about you?” can open powerful reflections.
- Encourage family sharing – Clients may want to read their letters aloud during life events or leave them as a meaningful surprise.
- Preserve them with the estate plan – Store digital or physical copies with the estate documents so they’re discovered at the right time.
Tip: Consider incorporating legacy letter discussions into your onboarding process or family meeting agenda.
Final Thoughts: Legacy Is More Than a Balance Sheet
Helping clients articulate and live out their values is one of the most fulfilling parts of this work. By guiding them through intentional philanthropy, sustainable choices, and heartfelt reflections, we can ensure their legacies are as deeply personal as they are enduring.
When legacy planning includes a client’s why, not just their what, it becomes a powerful bridge between generations—anchored in purpose, memory, and meaning.
